Key information
Koei Tecmo Games has officially announced that The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is scheduled for release on March 18, 2027. The mystery adventure game, based on the novel series by Natsu Hyuuga, will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam. The standard edition is priced at 8580 yen including tax.
In this title, players control Maomao, a former apothecary working as a maid in the imperial court. The narrative centers on Maomao investigating the Five Mysteries, a series of strange occurrences within the palace, and later the Five Curses that emerge in the capital following a rebellion. The game features an original story drafted by Natsu Hyuuga.
Gameplay involves exploring fields and engaging in conversations to gather information. During deduction segments, players must present evidence and make correct choices to increase trust and solve cases. The game also incorporates a medicine preparation system using gathered materials, a mechanic that led some players to nickname the project Maomao's Atelier.
Development is being handled by Koei Tecmo's Gust brand, known for the Atelier series. The inclusion of the medicine preparation system was a core part of the project's initial planning. Players should be aware that incorrect choices during investigations can lead to cases remaining unsolved.
